Combat Safety

Combat Safety

Combat is an engaging component of Shadow Accord. It is fast paced and exciting, however, in the words of Sam the Eagle, it is also “Unsafe.” To make sure that combat is enjoyable and to prevent injury, please consider the following points:

At the start of every event, have a member of Deco and Safety or Check-In check your weapon. Weapons *will* breakdown overtime. To check it yourself, test the weapon by giving the foam a hard squeeze. If you can feel the hard core of the weapon, then the foam has deteriorated to the point where the weapon is unsafe and unusable at Shadow Accord.

Another concern with a new weapon is rigid foam. Fresh foam is rather hard, and will hurt more than foam that has been broken in (like new breaks on a car). To break in an new weapon, strike the weapon against a hard surface for a couple minutes per hitting surface. Once again: if you have any concerns about a weapon, take it to a member of Deco and Safety, they are always happy to help.

Now that you have a safe weapon, it’s time to hit someone with it. To ensure the safety, the following areas are {+not Legal targets+}:

• Hands

• Head

• Groin

If you hit in these areas, the hit does not count. Accidents happen; however, If you hit in these areas repeatedly you may be warned by the player or staff.

Striking with a foam weapon is a test of dexterity: hits should be light. You should not swing a weapon like a baseball bat; the object is not to cleave the other player in two (which is nigh impossible with a safe weapon). Swinging too hard will earn you an out of game warning, so practice light swings.

You may only make one attack per second and must pull back boffers between strikes

Awareness is key when fighting in boffer combat. Many combats involve large battles with many players in a small area. By not flaying your weapon about you can avoid accidental hitting a fellow player illegally. Also remember that most combats take place in a wooded area; there are a large number of potential tripping hazards that should be avoided. Stepping carefully and being extra aware will help prevent injury. As an out of game courtesy, please warn a player if they are about to walk into something they may not be aware of, such as a tree behind them or a large pot hole.

In a frenetic fight, It can be difficult to hear or understand all calls. It is important that you respond when hit with damage (by losing health) or a signature call (by taking the effect). It is not always clear if you are hit; if you are unsure, a good policy is to take the hit. If you are hit but have a way of resisting, you must say “resist”. To avoid confusion, it is important to learn all of the signature calls of the game. If you are hit with an ability and are unsure of the effect, ask out of game.

Finally, nothing makes for better, safer combat than practice. Setting up fighter practices and attending combat LARPs will get you in fighting shape. All of these guidelines are here to ensure a safe, fun game. If you follow these guidelines, you too, will be able to participate in the frenzy that is boffer combat.

Should you have any questions on Combat Safety, please contact Deco and Safety at sa_decoandsafety@nwlarpers.org